Náh-se-ús-kuk, Whirling Thunder, Eldest Son of Black Hawk

George Catlin, born Wilkes-Barre, PA 1796-died Jersey City, NJ 1872 · 1832

This painting shows the eldest son of Black Hawk, Náh-se-ús-kuk (the Whirling Thunder). He was, according to George Catlin, a “very handsome young warrior, and one of the finest-looking Indians I ever saw. There is a strong party in the tribe [Sac and Fox] that is anxious to put this young man up; and I think it more than likely, that Kee-o-kuk as chief may fall ere long by his hand, or by some of the tribe, who are anxious to reinstate the family of Black Hawk.” (Catlin, Letters and Notes, vol. 2, no. 56, 1841; reprint 1973)